Supervisors authorize distribution of public safety funds

RIVERSIDE – Riverside County supervisors signed off today on the allocation of more than $12 million in support of public safety programs in the county and its 28 cities.

In a 5-0 vote, the Board of Supervisors, without comment, accepted county Auditor-Controller Paul Angulo’s plan to disburse Citizens’ Option for Public Safety (COPS) Program and Juvenile Justice Prevention Act (JJPA) funds in accordance with a predetermined formula under which the county will receive the lion’s share.

The state earmarked a total $12.1 million for the county and its cities to spend on initiatives that fall under the COPS and JJPA criteria.

COPS money can be used to bolster any existing law enforcement function, including personnel, equipment and jail operations. JJPA revenue must be put to work strengthening efforts focused on reducing juvenile recidivism or preventing youth crime.

Funds for both programs are required to be deposited in a Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Account managed by the county. A state-administered distribution formula, based on size of population served, determines how the monies are allocated.

According to Angulo, the county will receive a total $8.24 million for the 2013-14 fiscal year, though some funding will carry over into 2014-15. The $3.85 million balance will be divided between the cities, Angulo said.

The largest municipal disbursal — $497,724 — will go to Riverside, followed by Moreno Valley at $316,114, and Corona at $250,211.

In the southwest county region, Murrieta will receive the largest sum, $168,855, while in the Coachella Valley, Indio will be the biggest recipient at $129,862. The District Attorney’s Office will be directly allocated $655,216, according to the Auditor-Controller’s Office.